Fairstead House

An independent day school and nursery for boys and girls
from three months to eleven years

Fairstead Life

28th June 2019

Dear Parents

As I write, the children are thoroughly enjoying their end of year disco. Currently, Reception, Years 1 and 2 are dancing the night away and squeals of delight can be heard from the Performing Arts Centre! My colleagues and I extend our sincere gratitude, as ever, to the Parents’ Association and the many parent helpers who have made tonight the success it clearly has been.

Reception

The highlight of the week in Reception was undoubtedly the class visit to Banham Zoo on Tuesday. The children loved seeing the animals, and whilst on their travels, they collected as many ‘stamps’ as they could to receive a medal. They thoroughly enjoyed watching the ‘Amazing Animals’ show and were thrilled to have their own exclusive discovery session which was centred around life cycles and meeting minibeasts! The children’s ‘endangered animal’ posters were gratefully received by the zoo staff. They were very impressed with the children’s efforts, knowledge and behaviour.
Back in school, the children have written some super recounts of the day and have also enjoyed using money to pay for items from the ‘zoo shop!’

Year 1

Year 1 have been taking turns to read an afternoon story to each other this week. Not only did they delight in being the story teller, it also showed great camaraderie, respect and true friendship amongst them. There have been many very proud moments for Mrs Scott, who will be very sad when her class leave her. She keeps telling us all that “this is the best Year 1 ever”.

Year 2

In Science this week, Year 2 have been learning about the differences between evergreen and deciduous trees. They went on a tree hunt around the school, collecting and studying the different leaves they collected carefully. The children discovered that evergreen trees have vibrant green needles or leaves that are thick and waxy. They are really looking forward to searching their own gardens for evergreen and deciduous trees! I look forward to hearing all about their findings.

Year 3

Year 3 have been enjoying a poetry problem solving investigation this week. Looking at rhythm, rhyme and punctuation and using their impressive literary skills to crack the code, Year 3 had a Robert Louis Stevenson poem cut up line by line to recreate. Armed with only the rhyme scheme of ABABCC and the fact that the source poem ‘Windy Nights’ has two stanzas, Year 3 created their own original and ingenious arrangements of the original 19th century verses.

Year 4

In Science this week, Year 4 had another visit from the dental specialist. The lesson was very informative and taught the children how to ensure they are brushing their teeth correctly. They were taught how much fluoride toothpaste should contain and to choose toothbrushes with small heads and medium bristles. I really hope they take this advice on board.
There was much excitement when the children used disclosure tablets to colour the plaque on the teeth – the room was full of purple smiles! Finally, they brushed their teeth using the methods shown.

Year 5

This week, Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the July Racecourse in Newmarket. We joined nine other schools from the local area to conclude our learning about the horse racing industry. The children were given race cards for the event and encouraged to study the form of the competitors. In order to help us choose our winners, we also had a visit to the Parade Ring. Next Wednesday, Year 5 will be celebrating the end of our school year with a visit to High Lodge in Thetford. Please can the children come to school in their games kit. A packed lunch will be provided and we will return to school in time for afternoon activities.

Year 6

Year 6 have had a very busy penultimate week to their time at Fairstead. A particular highlight was their assembly, which they presented to the whole school, sharing their many adventures in Hollowford. The children listened intently and are all clearly looking forwards (with perhaps some intrepidation!) to the adventures which await them in Year 6. The children gave their presentation with clarity and enthusiasm and, in addition, a very inventive PowerPoint presentation!

Annual High Jump Competition

The children, as ever, relished the opportunity to compete for the annual High Jump Trophy. It was a close run affair, but Harry was victorious! Well done to Harry and to all who took part.

Primary Games

Year 3 and 4 enjoyed a morning of teamwork, dedication and enjoyment at Newmarket Academy for the Primary Games event on Thursday. Following the carousel of ten fun sports activities, including beanbag bullseye, a hurdles relay and vortex howler, certificates were awarded for the highest scoring school team. Claudia and Flynn were very proud to collect the award for winning the Hockey based Push and Go game.

Music

This week, in Year 4 Class Music, the pupils enjoyed learning how to play various orchestral instruments including cello, clarinet and violin. They also had fun playing the ukulele.

Karina Warburton, Director of Music

Instrumental and Vocal Lessons Next Term

Thank you for completing and sending back the Instrumental Forms that were sent out last week. I am delighted to say that the number of children learning instruments and having singing lessons at Fairstead continues to rise; at the moment we’re over 75%. If you are still considering instrumental or vocal lessons for your son or daughter, please feel free to contact me and I will be very happy to help.

Sports’ Afternoon – Monday 1st July

Everyone in school from Reception upwards is looking forward to – and has been busy practising for – our Sports’ Afternoon. This starts at 1.30pm on the Severals and we hope to see you all there.

Please note that the school car park will be not be available, to allow us to make the most of the space for summer refreshments after the races.

School Photographs

The recent Whole School and Year Group photographs taken at Fairstead House School are online and available to order here.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact Gillman & Soame directly on on 01869 328200 or e-mail enquiries@gillmanandsoame.co.uk

Kindness Cups

Kindness Cups were won by Charlie in Year 2 and Sam in Year 6. Well done, boys!

Fairstead House School and Day Nursery is a leading independent school and nursery for boys and girls aged from three months to eleven years in Newmarket, Suffolk in the heart of East Anglia. It is within easy reach of Cambridge, Ely and Bury St Edmunds, with excellent access from the A14, A11 and A142. Pupils come from Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. It was judged excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and is a member of IAPS. Breakfast Club and After School Care allow children to be looked after between 7.30am until 6.00pm. Our pupils are happy, confident, challenged and encouraged to reach their potential with us academically, socially and emotionally.